Monumental Pair of Fiberglass 'Jennifer' Lounge Chairs by Michael Taylor, 1970s
So many incredible aspects to this pair of monumentally sized 'Jennifer' lounge chairs by Michael Taylor, circa 1970s, we will attempt to list them all in this description.
First, and most noticeably, is the size. They are huge, humungous, monumental, enormous... I mean, they are incredibly large. You can easily fit two people and a dog in a single chair and have room to cuddle, snuggle, hang-out, watch a movie, have drinks in an intimate setting, or even fall asleep comfortably cradled. It's not just how wide they are but also the depth also provides a dramatic increase in overall 'lounging' footprint of the chairs. These chairs are so large, they shouldn't even be called chairs, they are somewhere between a loveseat and a daybed - perhaps they should be called lovebeds instead?
The second thing that we absolutely love about these chairs is its design history. The Jennifer chair is one of Michael's earliest designs. Michael designed it for actress Jennifer Jones (Mrs. Norton Simon), she asked him for a chair that she could curl her legs in and relax and this monumental chair was the result of that request.
The third amazing quality to these chairs is the collectors appeal. These are original production examples from circa 1970s, and they are rare as only a small number were made, they were never mass produced. While there is some light wear to them, they are still in incredibly good condition considering its age. The original antiqued finish is still in-tact and vibrant. There are not any drill holes in the seat which you would find if they were used outdoors. Also there is a 'Jennifer' chair in the The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). For any collector looking - these would be ideal and ones not to pass up because once they are gone, it will be hard to find another, especially as nice as these.
The fourth thing that comes to mind about these chairs is the excellent quality of materials and craftsmanship. Things made these days are made to be as cheap as possible - and that is why things made these days don't last. These Jennifer chairs were made with incredibly thick fiberglass and weigh a ton (not literally a ton, but they are Heavy with a capital H). This quality and thickness of materials translates to decades and decades of further use - and you can feel safe plopping into them and getting cozy and comfortable. And if you have large dogs or kids - you don't have to worry about them damaging the fiberglass.
And our final reason for why these chairs are so absolutely fabulous, is the shape and silhouette. The soft gentle curves which have no sharp angles are just exquisite - and also help to avoid hurting oneself. For anyone who has kids or anyone clumsy in the house - you know how important it is to avoid sharp corners. These nicely rounded chairs are so beautiful in design and so practical in use.
This incredible pair of 'Jennifer' chairs by Michael Taylor, which are large enough to serve as a daybed, chaise lounge, or loveseat sofas, would work great in a Post-Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Due to how strong the materials is, they would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office.
MEASUREMENTS:
Without Cushions: H 26" x W 65.5" x D 50" / Seat Height: 10" / Seat Depth: 42" / Arm Height: 19.5"
With Cushions: H 35.5" x W 65.5" x D 50" / Seat Height: 17.25" / Seat Depth: 42" / Arm Height: 19.5"
CONDITION:
Very good vintage condition with light wear. A few light scuffs to the sides. The bottom lip has some light chips to the fiberglass but not noticeable when placed on the ground. Overall very attractive original examples ready for immediate use